News

The Last Strip! - Gig of the Month Sept 2015: What was your gig of the month? Easy call for me for September - got to say ‘The Last Strip!’, held at the iconic Las Vegas Strip Club on Auckland's K Rd. Bittersweet, without doubt, as the event marked the final weekend of New Zealand's longest established strip club, just prior to its sad closure after 53 years. But thanks ...Read More

Violet Highway Gig Review: Fresh from recording their EP and ready to blow off some steam, three piece rock band Violet Highway held their EP release party at K Rd’s Backbeat Bar, a hub of up-and-coming local talent with the perfect moody basement vibe for Violet Highway’s gritty sound. Infused with blues, punk and pop influences, the band consists of Jacqui - guitarist and commanding powerhouse vocalist, Ant on bass ...Read More

Alien Weaponry ‘Te Reo Metal’ song is a winner: Northland thrash metal band Alien Weaponry have added three more successes to their resume for 2015, placing second in the National Finals of both the Smokefree Rockquest and the Smokefree Pacifica Beats competition. They also took out the Youth Performance Trust’s Native Reo Award at Pacifica Beats for their song Ruana Te Whenua (The Trembling Earth). Written entirely in Te Reo ...Read More

Nicole Andrews 'Whisper' Music Video Release: Indie singer and pianist, Nicole Andrews, has released a music video for 'Whisper', the latest single from her debut album 'In the Shallows'. Originally from Portland, Oregon, Nicole has made herself at home in the Wellington music scene, having worked with artists like David Long (The Mutton Birds), Andrew Bain (Fur Patrol), Thomas Voyce (Rhombus), Daniel Ryland (OdESSA and Sorceress), and more. Nicole is ...Read More

Delaney Davidson - Lucky Guy: The latest album from Delaney Davidson Lucky Guy has been released today on 'creamy vinyl and pristine CD (for those 90's Retro freaks)'. Lucky Guy was recorded at The Lab in Auckland and mixed in New York with Matt Verta Ray (Heavy Trash). Boasting a rhythm section of Ben Woolley and Joe McCallum, the record showcases a more stripped-back style from the troubadour. “Lucky Guy ...Read More

Albi and The Wolves - Remember Your Name: Congrats to Albi and The Wolves on their debut single and video release - 'Remember Your Name'. The single is already receiving airplay, and has been selected for NZ On Air's NewTracks playlist, well deserved support for a band that has also been growing a loyal fanbase for their live shows. Check out the new music vid for Albi and The Wolves ...Read More

Triple Whammy for Metal Trio Young thrash metal band Alien Weaponry has scored a hat-trick. Earlier this month they reached the National Final of the NZ Battle of the Bands. They have also been named National Finalists in the Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Pacifica Beats competitions, to be held in Auckland on September 11 and 12. As far as they are aware, they are the only band ever to have ...Read More

International Blues Music Day 2015 So we went along to the Thirsty Dog on Auckland's K Rd on Saturday to join the Auckland Blues Club and be amongst the first in the world to celebrate International Blues Music Day 2015. A great line-up of local blues artists put on a stellar show to an appreciative crowd. The all day event ran from 11am to 6pm. The line up included: Dave ...Read More

The latest from alt rapper JCK 'You're Not Tupac' is the latest single and video from alternative rap artist JCK. The fifth single to drop this year from the forthcoming album 'Land Of The Wrong White Crowd'. JCK has cleverly avoided drowning in an endless sea of rappers and beat makers by finding his own niche of hybrid music combining elements of Hip Hop, Electronica and Rock. With the aid ...Read More

Eddy Grant and CeeLo Green to headline Raggamuffin IX: Raggamuffin is Australasia’s premier reggae and roots festival and features an unrivalled line-up of top international and local artists. The festival will be held for the second time in Auckland in 2016. Line up (so far....) Eddy Grant CeeLo Green Sly & Robbie Inner Circle Maxi Priest Junior Marvin’s Wailers Spawnbreezie Boo Yaa T.R.I.B.E Three Houses Down Tomorrow People More acts ...Read More

Alien Weaponry set to shake up the Capital: They’ve opened for Shihad. They’ve toured with Devilskin. They’ve reached the National final of the Battle of the Bands – twice, and got into the Northland finals of the Smokefree Rock Quest four years running, also winning awards for musicianship and lyric writing. None of them are old enough to drive yet, but thrash metal band Alien Weaponry aren’t letting that stop ...Read More

4Sayken and Revus Da Menace Mixtape Project: Check out the Chaos Agents Remix (Music Video) released this month - the first video from the new and untitled mixtape project by 4Sayken and Revus Da Menace. Have a peep at some Westside sickness and let ‘em know what ya think! Keep an eye and ear out for the next music vid from 4Sayken and Revus Da Menace which is currently underway ...Read More

Alien Weaponry Gig Dates The youngest metal band in the world? Alien Weaponry, hailing from Northland, are a three piece hardcore thrash metal band who are taking the New Zealand heavy metal scene by storm. Gigs coming up in June and July in Auckland, Whangarei, Palmerston North, Wellington and Wanganui. Read more for details. "I was blown away when I heard them” – Paul Martin, AKA The Axe Man. Upcoming ...Read More

Ratsmagic and The Bonsai Birds at Backbeat: Ratsmagic: Ratsmagic brought their very own brand of rock n roll with a twist of soul to Backbeat Bar on Saturday night. This band blurs the line between the party vibes of funk and roots, the depth of blues and soul, and the raw energy of rock - and they do an immense job of it too. Meghan Glue (who also plays Fiddle, ...Read More